Carroll High School
Dev Showcase

Tristan created a custom raytracer algorithm to explore and implement advanced computer graphics principles. The core of the project involves an algorithm that simulates light paths to generate a realistic 3D scene. This method works by sending virtual "rays" from a camera position and calculating their interaction with objects, including reflections, refractions, and shading, to determine the color of each pixel. His algorithm is implemented using Turbo, a development environment to accelerate Scratch programs, enabling the execution of this computationally intensive process. Tristan's project successfully demonstrates a foundational graphics rendering technique and showcases the implementation of complex 3D visualization concepts with Scratch coding tools.

As a practical application for learning Lua, Braydon began development of "The Slime Game," a personal project focused on creating a fun, action-oriented experience. Braydon has successfully implemented core gameplay mechanics, including a fully functional shooting loop and a swarm effect. Currently, the focus is on expanding the in-game economy by developing the shop interface and creating unique items for players to acquire. This ongoing project serves as a hands-on method for Braydon to master essential Lua scripting and game development concepts, such as persistent loops and asset management.

Caleb developed the Measurement Converter utility to create a simple, reliable tool for everyday calculations, designed to seamlessly translate various units of length across both Imperial and Metric systems. The application features an intuitive user interface where users select desired units, input a value, and click "Convert." The program instantly processes the conversion factors and displays the equivalent value. This project allowed Caleb to focus on precision programming, data handling, and user interaction design, successfully delivering an efficient tool for quick and accurate unit measurement conversions. 

Ryan developed a Python Turtle Drawing Game to create a creative interactive experience that allows users to explore basic programming concepts through art. This project utilizes the Python Turtle graphics library, providing a canvas where the user controls a drawing cursor (aka "turtle").

Key features include the ability to dynamically change both the background color and the drawing line color, granting the user full creative control. This project successfully demonstrates fundamental user input and graphic manipulation techniques in Python, and it also includes a hidden Easter egg for users to discover.

Matthew developed AI Takeover Escape, a text-based puzzle-solving adventure game designed to create an immersive, narrative-driven experience. The game immediately plunges the player into a suspenseful scenario aboard a vast cargo ship where a hostile artificial intelligence has seized control.

The core gameplay challenges the user to navigate the ship, solve intricate text-based puzzles, and make critical decisions while avoiding detection by robots. This project allowed Matthew to focus on creating an engaging story structure, designing complex branching logic, and utilizing code to deliver a compelling, high-stakes escape narrative entirely through interactive text.

To practice fundamental web development principles and integrate dynamic user interaction, Caleb created Roll the Die, a functional dice simulation application. The project is built using standard web technologies: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

The core functionality involves a "Roll" button that triggers a JavaScript function to generate a random integer value between 1 and 6. A notable feature is that the visual representation of the die faces is entirely constructed using CSS, successfully demonstrating an understanding of styling and layout without relying on external images.